Yesterday we met the Thunig family, who came to thank the deputies that responded to the near-fatal drowning of their 20-month old son CJ exactly one year ago.

Orange County Sheriff’s Department, CA posted photos and a story about CJ, a child that had accidently drowned. The family came to visit Deputies who came to CJ’s rescue. Please read about the child and his family who now struggle to support him after his life altering experience.

Yesterday we met the Thunig family, who came to thank the deputies that responded to the near-fatal drowning of their 20-month old son CJ exactly one year ago. It’s not often that we get to know the outcome of the calls we go on. It was heartwarming to hear the family share that despite the medical challenges CJ now faces after the accident, how blessed they feel to still have their son in their arms. Thank you Thunig family for taking the time to visit, and for reminding us all why we do what we do.

We got to meet some of the brave men and women who go out of their way to help others every day, often putting their own lives on the line. The Honorable Sheriff Sandra Hutchens and her entire Executive Command took time out of their busy day to hear CJ’s story and it was especially wonderful to meet three of the fine Deputies who were on scene that day.

I remember how laser-focused they were at that time and how professionally and well-rehearsed they handled a situation that seemed completely surreal to us who we never had to deal with any such catastrophy. This, and the fact that we were facing an overwhelming situation on our part prevented us from reaching out at the time. As such we were really happy that we got to meet them again, this time under better circumstances.

The Sheriff’s Department really went out of their way to make us feel welcome. CJ and Chrisandra even got to sit in a squad car they had put aside for us. These men and women don’t get nearly enough recognition for what they do and it was an absolute pleasure to be in the presence of greatness.

OCSD and OCFA: thank you again – we salute you!

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The story of CJ

I am frequently asked the question as to what happened in regards to CJ’s accident. On the evening of May 2nd Chris was doing a d.i.y home improvement project. Chrisandra and Cj were playing in their playroom when Chrisandra decided to go outside to talk to her dad. On accident the sliding door was left opened and CJ went to the pool. Chrisandra came upstairs to me where I met her on the side porch overlooking the pool. It was then that we saw CJ floating face down in the water. Chris being downstairs jumped in the pool and got his lifeless body out. I ran back inside to grab the house phone and dialed 911. Our lives forever changed. This journey has been a difficult one but I have put my faith and trust in God to restore my baby boy.